Focus on: Barbican neighbourhood

As part of our series exploring BE Offices’ neighbourhoods, we’re looking at the Barbican area.

The Barbican neighbourhood is a polemic spot of London, with city dwellers and visitors alike expressing both love and dislike for this unusual spot. But if you’re on the hunt for amazing serviced office space with views over London, BE’s Barbican workspace is ideal.

Offering flexible monthly memberships options, with private offices available, the Barbican workspace is adaptable to all requirements. Featuring eight floors of office space, a free onsite gym, a conference floor and break out areas, the highlight of this location is the large roof terrace overlooking the Brutalist architecture this area is famed for.

Glimpses of history Barbican is unique in its futuristic design, dreamed up in the period after World War II when the area was devastated by the Blitz. It’s a fascinating place to wander during a break, to add a little culture in your working day.

For a learning lunchbreak, why not explore the main draw of Barbican, the Barbican Centre? A Grade II listed Brutalist building, this centre is home to artistic shows, theatre, cinema, music performances and more. You could also visit the Museum of London, which traces the history of the city from Roman times to present day.

Revitalising coffee breaks For a coffee and snack surrounded by industrial design, Barbican Kitchen in the Barbican centre is an excellent choice. Giddy Up Coffee at Giant Bicycles is also worth the visit for a quick artisanal coffee (and maybe a bike checkup). Responsibly-sourced coffee can be found at Dose on Long Lane, near the station.

Edible delights There’s plenty to satisfy any taste around Barbican. For a British grill with a view over a quaint central garden, look no further than the London Wall Bar & Kitchen. For delicious upmarket seafood fare, there’s Angler on South Place, and a relaxed meal in homey settings can be had in Apulia, a quirky Italian restaurant near the station.

Drinks for days There’s plenty of places to wet your whistle in the Barbican area. For a cool throwback to the 1900s, try The Gibson, named after the famed American Gibson Girl, which serves creative cocktails. Independent bar Clerkenwell & Social is a great low-key place to take colleagues after work. If you’re looking for somewhere fancier, Nordic-inspired bar Lino is definitely worth the visit – it’s a former linoleum factory turned aesthetic dream.

For a drink with entertainment, you can head to Piano Smithfield, where live music plays as the post-work crowd arrives. Subterranean cocktail bar Neo Barbican is perfect for the cooler crowd, and the ultimate East London bar, Ask for Janice can be found right near the station.

After-work activities The Barbican Centre is the main attraction in the area, and with good reason. It houses the lovely green space of the Barbican Conservatory, and offers some delightful outdoor space overlooking water features in the secluded central area.

However, it’s not all at the Barbican Centre! There’s plenty to do in this area. For those who like a bit of history and mystery, you can go on the Blood and Tears Walk, a guided tour from history buff Declan McHugh that explores Jack the Ripper’s gruesome path through London.

There’s also Postman’s Park, a beautiful monument and testament to the bravery of 54 individuals who gave their lives to save others. Created in 1887 but counting acts of selflessness up to 2007, the memorial is a beautiful spot for contemplation.

Barbican is one of the best central neighbourhoods to grow your business, with quick transport links to other locations in London and to airports. To see more how this location could work for your business, have a look at BE Offices’ Barbican options for quality, modern workspaces.